Great Britain Hockey appoints Rich Beer as new COO

Great Britain Hockey is pleased to announce the appointment of Rich Beer as its new Chief Operating Officer. Beer will step up from his current role as Sport and Development Director and will take on his new role from 1 September 2025. Alongside this, Beer will also become Chief Executive Officer of England Hockey. 

Beer has been with England Hockey for 12 years, playing a central role in shaping the sport’s future. He has led transformational initiatives including the development of Big Stadium Hockey, the successful bid to host the EuroHockey Championships in 2027, the ground breaking facilities loan scheme, and the recent membership model changes. 

Kath Russ, Chair of England Hockey, said “I am delighted to welcome Rich as our new CEO. Under his leadership, I am confident that England Hockey will continue to evolve – building on our successes while adapting to the challenges and opportunities ahead. 

Rich brings a unique combination of deep knowledge of the hockey community and a flair for innovation, with a clear commitment to change where it is needed. Together, we share a determination to elevate hockey in this country, and I look forward to working with Rich to support these ambitions in the years to come.” 

On his appointment, Beer said “I’m honoured and excited to take on this role at such an important time for England Hockey and Great Britain Hockey. The next few years are a crucial period for us, with opportunities to maximise our free to air partnership with Channel 4 and the delivery of EuroHockey Championships 2027 to benefit the long-term health of our sport. I am passionate about working collaboratively with partners to grow the profile of hockey and broaden its appeal. 

Our membership recently committed to innovative changes that can help build a better platform for growth. We must build on this trust by delivering these changes while listening and adapting to feedback about where we can improve. Having been a player, a hockey parent, a club chair, a county volunteer, an international team manager, and having worked across many roles at England Hockey, I have a deep connection to the sport, and I look forward to supporting hockey in this new role” 

Jo Coates will continue as interim CEO until Rich begins on 1 September and will remain with England Hockey throughout September to support a smooth transition.